COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An 11-year-old from central Ohio has claimed the 2025 title in the Columbus LEGOLAND’s Mini-Master Model Builder competition, topping more than 80 entries.
Bentley Gray of Logan impressed judges at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus with his “epic rock mining and crushing vehicle” creation.
“It stood out for its creativity, especially the creative use of a variety of Lego bricks,” said Cheryl Ryan, marketing manager for LEGOLAND. “Bentley skillfully combined several techniques, including incorporating moving elements, blending classic LEGO bricks with LEGO Technic pieces, and demonstrating an impressive paneling technique.”
Gray’s victory was celebrated with a visit to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus, where a traditional “brick dump” inducted him into the LEGOLAND “family.” He received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Master Model Builder workshop and met with the center’s Master Model Builders.
Ryan noted that this year’s judging process was altered to align the competition with its new international scope. Instead of a live building event for finalists, entrants submitted their creations to be reviewed by a LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus judging panel.
Gray now has the chance to compete for the title of first-ever Global Mini-Master Model Builder.
“He will now go on to build something that represents his hometown or the state of Ohio,” Ryan explained. “This build will be sent to the LEGO House in Denmark to be displayed alongside creations from Mini Master Model Builders representing each LEGOLAND Discovery Center globally.”